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Friday, September 25, 2009

Recap of today

I am sitting at the end of my princess's hospital bed and wanted to cry out for prayer. Tonight feels like such a critical time. We are watching her vitals closely, hoping things stay stable. I can't help but feel God will take that clot in her brain and gently diffuse it, and give new life to the damaged areas that have been without blood flow.

This morning at 930a I gave Gabriella breakfast. Shortly after, she was on the ground, not able to speak and unable to get up. I immediately called 911 and the cops and paramedics arrived quickly. PJ was scared for his sissy, and the paramedics started working on her. I informed them of her heart history and requested they bring her to Phoenix Childrens. They got her out of the house quickly and to the Air Evac, while I waited for my mother in law to come get PJ. When she arrived, I sent PJ with my father in law and we drove to the hospital. I managed to alert Loma Linda while rushing to Phoenix.

They did some vitals and an emergency MRI, which took longer than the 40 minutes they estimated. When we got to her PICU room, a huge team of doctors and nurses were at her room, trying to figure out the best possible treatment. The doctor told us to sit so we could talk, which is sign #1 its bad news. We were told she had a stroke and the damaged area was pretty large. This was more than likely originating from the stagnant and poor bloodflow in her heart, and the blood thickened and shot to her brain. At first, they planned to send her out to Barrows Neuro Institute but got word they couldn't perform the TPA infusion they had hoped because of the severity of the thrombosis (clot). They put in an arterial line into her hand for blood draws and to better monitor her blood pressure. They also put in a groin catheter. They will treat her with aspirin daily to thin the blood.

As the day went on, she had tiny improvements. It started off with very minimal response- tiny nods and weakness all over. No movement on her right side, no talking, and weakened left side movement. By tonight, she had given us the most gorgeous half smile grins, nodded yes and no for our million questions and is showing some left side strength. She still isn't speaking at all and her right arm movement doesn't exist. But as the aspirin works, and the clot dissolves, we have a better chance of regaining these lost abilities. We will start speech therapy monday, given the weekend goes well.

If the aspirin therapy doesn't work, we will face other treatments. They are watching for swelling around the damaged area and keeping a close look at her heart. The last treatment we want to consider right now is surgery, so we will cling to the prayer of healing.

God, heal my baby. Shatter the clot with your insurmountable power. Give the deprived areas of her brain the miracle of life and function that only you can provide. Let her sweet voice be heard by everyone she encounters, and her hand hold mine on its own. Let her change the way people think about life, or their children. We have full faith in You and Your love for her. Amen.

12 comments:

The Simmons Family said...

We are PRAYING for all of the same things. There is always a purpose in HIS plan, even if we don't understand it. I have faith that she will be fully healed. I pray the Asprin works so that no other intervention will be necessary. Geez.. my heart is aching. Let me know if I can do anything, seriously!

Ivannape said...

Hi My name is Aprilee and I have been following Gabriellas story for some time through a different heart friend. I just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family and I hope that she can continue to get better with all my love pena family

Corey~living and loving said...

so may prayers for you and your little miss. she has not left my thoughts since the moment I found out.

Anonymous said...

Oh my Vega family! I have a few verses that have help me SO much. I may not know where you guys are, but I know where Gabriella is. :] "he gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak... those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." Isaiah 40:29,31
I LOVE THIS ONE!!!!:
"'But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' Declares The LORD"
I am praying for you and your family. That the Lord will give you strength to deal with this. Yes it is hard... But remember God will give you as much as you can handle with Him walking with you. There was another verse... I don't remember the address, but It talks about how your sleep will be sweet when you look to God. It made me think of me getting my transplant. That God was: laying with me, doing the surgery, and had me in His arms. He is holding your Gabriella right this second. He is not going to let her go! :] You are guys are a AWESOME family! :]
Angie Olivas
"He health the broken in heart(;]) and bindeth up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

Angela said...

Praying for you all through this time.

About SH Portraits said...

Oh Kristi - Just reading your strength brings tears to my eyes. You are an amazing prayerful mother and how lucky Gabriella is to have you! God knew the struggles she would face and he chose the perfect mom for her, the mom that would turn to him during the trials and be a warrior for this little girl. I am praying for you everyday and have sent on the requests to many other friends and churches. Together and with God she will get through this!
All my love - Samara

Anonymous said...

Praying - Jack

T and J's mom said...

You all are continuing to be in our prayers. Use God's power to stay strong for your little girl, so many people are out there praying for her.

Colleen, Tyler, and Jordan

warren bauer said...

She smiled? If that does not speak to the strength of the human spirit in this little girl, nothing does!

Anonymous said...

Hi Paul..I'm sooo sorry to hear about Gabriella. My thoughts & prayers are with your family at this difficult time.

Ruthie

LizInScotland said...

I have prayed and will continue to pray for your beautiful, brave daughter and your family.Love to you all.

Bernadette said...

Kristi,
I don't know you but I know about Gabriella because a mutual friend Suzy McElwaine told us about her sometime ago.
I have often thought about this beautiful little girl and wondered how she was doing. Gabriella will be in my thoughts and constantly in my prayers as will you and your family. With love, Bernadette